Chassis subassembly module and method for using same

Abstract

A chassis subassembly module having a portion of a chassis structural frame and vehicular componentry facilitates the assembly of a chassis having systems responsive to non-mechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface. A method of employing chassis subassembly modules to assemble chassis is also provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to vehicle chassis and bodies.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Mobility, being capable of moving from place to place or of moving quickly from one state to another, has been one of the ultimate goals of humanity throughout recorded history. The automobile has likely done more in helping individuals achieve that goal than any other development. Since its inception, societies around the globe have experienced rates of change in their manner of living that are directly related to the percentage of motor vehicle owners among the population.[0003]Prior art automobiles and light trucks include a body, the function of which is to contain and protect passengers and their belongings. Bodies are connected to the numerous mechanical, electrical, and structural components that, in combination with a body, comprise a fully functional vehicle. The nature of the prior art connections between a vehicle body and vehicular componentry may result in certain ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]A self-contained chassis assembly has substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least a structural frame, an energy conversion system, an energy storage system, a suspension system and wheels, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis has a simplified, and preferably standardized, interface with connection components to which bodies of substantially varying design can be attached. Systems responsive to non-mechanical control signals eliminate the need for mechanical control linkages.

[0009]A preassembled vehicle chassis subassembly module facilitates the assembly of the self-contained vehicle chassis, and provides assemblers with flexibility to assemble chassis of differing sizes and characteristics. The preassembled chassis subassembly module has a first portion of the chassis structural frame and a set of vehicular componentry mounted with respect to the first portion of the structural frame. The set of vehicular componentry at least partially forms the steering system, the braking system, the suspension system, the energy conversion system, the energy storage system, or a wheel. The first portion of the structural frame is configured for attachment to a second portion of the structural frame.

Problems solved by technology

The nature of the prior art connections between a vehicle body and vehicular componentry may result in certain inefficiencies in the design, manufacture, and use of vehicles.

Mechanical linkages result in inefficiencies, in part, because different driver locations in different vehicles require different mechanical linkage dimensions and packaging.

Thus, new or different bodies often cannot use “off-the-shelf” components and linkages.

Componentry for one vehicle body configuration is typically not compatible for use with other vehicle body configurations.

The location of the connections on prior art vehicle bodies and componentry also results in inefficiencies.

The vehicle body of a fully-assembled prior art vehicle is intertwined with the componentry and the connection devices, rendering separation of the body from its componentry difficult and labor-intensive, if not impossible.

Furthermore, prior art vehicles typically have internal combustion engines that have a height that is a significant proportion of the overall vehicle height.

For example, a vehicle body with an engine compartment in the rear is not compatible with a chassis with an engine in the front.

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